“It (ankle) is sore and clearly swollen up a little bit,” Ashwin told reporters about Shaw at the end of day two of the tour game against Cricket Australia XI at Sydney. “It is quite sad that it happened right at the first time he came out to field. He has not spoken much and it has hit him pretty bad.

Shaw returned from hospital with a strapped left ankle and with the assistance of crutches, which sent an ominous message to onlookers. A couple hours later, it was revealed that Shaw had sustained a ligament injury.

The Mumbai opener had hit 11 fours during his 69-ball 66 on day one at the SCG, but this injury has come as a massive setback for India. However, Ashwin reckoned that as unfortunate as it is for Shaw, it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up.

“Look, I shouldn’t be saying this, but It is unfortunate what has happened and these things happen in the game. and It is an opportunity for some else. I do believe things happen for a reason, and if it has happened for the right reason, i am happy for it,” he added.